Lack Of Aviation Infrastructure Has Led To Difficulties For Various National Institutions Located In Jodhpur: Rajasthan HC Calls For Affidavits

In a PIL pending for almost 9 years in relation to the addition of another terminal at the Jodhpur airport, the Rajasthan High Court highlighted the fact that despite repeated assurances from the State, no desirous results were achieved at the ground level. It thus directed the filing of affidavits on various aspects from different stakeholders in the matter.The division bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Chandra Prakash Shrimali opined that Jodhpur, despite being the second largest city in India's largest state (area wise) had faced hindrance in its development due to being placed in a remote position near the Thar Desert, combined with the lack of adequate aviation infrastructure. “Jodhpur is not just the Principal Seat of the Hon'ble Rajasthan High Court (Judicial Capital) but is also home to various institutions of national importance, such as the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, National Law University, National Institute of Fashion Technology, etc. However, the lack of aviation infrastructure, resulting in poor connectivity, has hindered the effective functioning of all these institutions, as a number of eminent doctors, lawyers, scientists, experts, professionals and the faculties from the other major cities of India are unable to travel down to Jodhpur to provide their services.”The Court held that the issue was not just about infrastructure but also the lackadaisical approach of the aviation planners that had presented the possibility of violation of Article 21 of the citizens to live a progressive, meaningful and dignified life. It was highlighted that unlike earlier times when aviation was considered only for upper class, in today's times, economic, financial, institutional and professional development depend on ease of air commutation. It was opined that India, being a welfare state, was duty-bound to promote people's welfare by securing and protecting social order for which connectivity was paramount as it enabled citizens to access quintessential educational and healthcare facilities. After taking note of submissions of different stakeholders on the progress, the Court held that the current state of affairs and the dismayed condition of facilities in the aviation sector was due to the slow pace of the infrastructural development, extension of timelines and lack of concrete decisions. Noting the fact that in 9 years no desirous results were achieved at the ground level, the Court directed submission of affidavit from Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, detailing reasons for failure to adhere to the timelines of completion of the civil airport by March 2025, and how they proposed to do it by October, 2025. Furthermore, the Court also directed submission of affidavits on all other aspects related to the terminal, including taxi stands, deployment plan & lodging facilities of additional CISF personnel, incentives that could be provided to the aviation sector for additional flights, land issuance for future expansion, and development of aviation sector in Western Rajasthan. Accordingly, the matter was listed for March 17, 2025. Title: Libra India v Union of India & Ors.Click Here To Read/Download Order

Lack Of Aviation Infrastructure Has Led To Difficulties For Various National Institutions Located In Jodhpur: Rajasthan HC Calls For Affidavits

Nupur Agrawal

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